Press Releases

Warren County, VA - On March 19, 2018 at approximately 7:00 pm, Warren County Animal Control officers responded to the area of Church Street in the Town of Front Royal for the report of an injured husky. Once Animal Control officers made contact with the animal it was determined that the animal was a coyote. It appeared that it had been struck by a vehicle and was not able to walk. The coyote was put down at the location.

While this is an unusual occurrence in Town, please be aware of your children and pets. If anyone comes in contact with this type of wildlife please do not approach or try to handle. They are very dangerous animals when injured or cornered. Please contact the Warren County Animal Control at 540-635-4128 if you see these animals in the Town limits.

Warren County, VA - The Warren County Sheriff’s Office reports that on Friday, February 23, 2018 at approximately 2:33pm the Warren County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 2000 Block of John Marshall Highway for a vehicle accident. The caller advised a male suspect was running around in a suspicious manner and possibly under the influence of narcotics.

Upon arriving on scene the deputies approached the vehicles and the male in question attempted to flee in his vehicle. The deputies verbally ordered the male to stop, but the vehicle pulled away. As the male pulled away he accelerated and swerved in an attempt to hit one of the deputies. The vehicle then continued west on John Marshall Highway with deputies in pursuit. The Front Royal Police Department assisted with the deployment of spike strips as the vehicle entered Front Royal town limits. The vehicle stopped just east of Richmond Road on John Marshall Hwy.

The suspect resisted arrest, but was taken into custody without injury. The suspect appeared to be under the influence of narcotics. The male was transported to Warren Memorial Hospital for medical attention. The male suspect was identified as Michael Lewis, 40 years of age, residing at 144 Chester Street Apt 1, Front Royal, Virginia. The following charges are pending: Attempted Capital Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, Felony Eluding, Reckless Driving, Resisting Arrest and Driving Under the Influence of Drugs. The suspect remains hospitalized at the time of this release.

On the evening of 2/22/18, the Warren County Sheriff's Office received multiple calls regarding a post circulating on Facebook reference "threats" at a school in Warren County. Sheriff's Office personnel were able to trace the post back to the original person. That person was interviewed and it was found that the original conversation was taken out of context and there was no criminal or malicious intent involved.

February 23, 2018

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Warren County, VA - On the evening of February 21st, 2018 the Warren County Sheriff’s Office received information about a post made on social media referencing a threat to “SHS”. While the threat was not specific to Warren County, working with Warren County Public School Administration, a plan was formulated to address any concerns at Skyline High School. School personnel performed searches of students’ bags when students entered Skyline High School on February 22nd, 2018. Sheriff’s Deputies were present at Skyline and all other Warren County Schools to assist with safety issues. No issues were reported regarding students entering Skyline.

At Warren County Middle School, a student made reference to a bomb at the school. Warren County School Resource Officers interviewed the student and School Administration made the decision to evacuate the school as a safety precaution. All students were transported to Warren County High School. The Sheriff’s Office worked with outside agencies to locate explosive detection canines to assist in searching the school.

Area K-9 units along with a Bomb Technician responded to Warren County Middle school, where k-9 units cleared the school and nothing was located. The school was rendered safe for students and faculty to return. The school was turned back over to faculty. There are students being questioned in relation to the ‘Bomb Threat” and the investigation continues.

Prior to the Bomb Threat at Warren County Middle School , a social media post had been reported to staff at Warren County High School that brought concern , School Resource Deputies and staff quickly located the student involved in the social media post , the student was released to the parents after being interviewed. The investigation is still ongoing involving this incident.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Front Royal Police Department, Virginia State Police, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Manassas Park Police Department, Prince William Police Department and Warren County Fire and Rescue.

Any person with information pertaining to this incident is asked to call Sgt. Daniel Maxfield at 540-635-7100 or 540-635-4128.

Warren County, VA - On January 17, 2018 the Warren County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation to assist Rappahannock Shenandoah Warren Regional Jail in locating Matthew Perry Michael. Michael was wanted for escape while being assigned to the work force program.

During the course of this investigation additional charges were placed on Michael for communicating in writing to kill or do bodily harm to a family member, a violation of the Virginia State Code 18.2-60.

Investigator Pugh obtained information that Michael was at the Clarion Hotel, located at 711 Millwood Avenue in Winchester VA. With the assistance of Winchester Police Department and Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Michael was taken into custody without incident for the above charge and the outstanding escape charge.

The investigation also identified Albert Byrd, Jr. from Gerrardstown WV and Courtney Rose Barrett from Hagerstown MD as being involved with the escape of Matthew Michael. These subjects were located during the apprehension of Michael and were charged with the following felonies:

18.2-473. Aiding the escape of a prisoner 18.2-22. Conspiracy to commit a felony18.2-19. Accessory after the fact

Both subjects are being held without bond at Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Brad Pugh at the Warren County Sheriff’s Office 540-635-7100.